Brexit may be helping Highland tourism boom, Inverness economist believes
HIGHLAND economist Tony Mackay has declared the region’s tourism as being one of a few bright spots for the region’s economy.
In his latest monthly round-up, Inverness-based Mr Mackay suggested the local tourism industry is booming.
“The local tourism industry seems to be doing very well,” he said. “One of the main reasons for that may be the fall in the value of the pound following the Brexit vote to leave the EU.
“That has made it cheaper for foreign visitors to have holidays in the UK.
“It may also have encouraged more UK residents to holiday at home rather than overseas.”
A bumper season for cruise ships docking at Invergordon helped push coach visitors to the Highland capital up to a record high last week. A total of 40 coaches dropped off and picked up passengers at the dedicated coach stop on the city’s Ardross Street last Tuesday.
It was thought to be up 20 per cent on the same period last year.
Mr Mackay said most hotels in Inverness have been reporting occupancy rates of more than 90 per cent in the last few weeks.
He believes the North Coast 500 initiative has helped attract many visitors while generating positive publicity.
He added: “Some local industries are struggling at the present time and the public sector is affected by the ongoing public expenditure cuts.
“Tourism is one of the few bright spots in the region’s economy.”
